Mineral Resources Exploitation: We Must Prioritize Safety of Nigerians, Says President Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for companies engaged in mineral exploration to prioritize the health and safety of Nigerians and host communities. He made this statement while receiving a presentation from Course 32 participants of the National Defence College (NDC) on Thursday in Abuja.

The presentation, titled “Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035,” highlighted the potential of the mining industry to contribute to national security and development.

Tinubu commended the participants’ work and reiterated the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy. He also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to crack down on illegal miners across the country.

The president expressed concern over the well-being of those living near mining areas and assured the delegation that his administration would ensure the completion of the NDC headquarters in Abuja.

“We must pay attention to that at the outset by providing medical centers and other facilities that will protect the lives, property, and health of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant, NDC, said the institution, established in 1992 as the National War College, had graduated 2,871 participants since inception. He said that besides participants from 30 African countries, the college had participants from Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Olotu said through the president’s magnanimity that the college had embarked on unprecedented infrastructural upgrades, making the institution compete favorably with any other defense college in the world. He, however, appealed to Tinubu to assist with the completion of the college’s permanent site in Abuja.

He said that the institution currently operates from its temporary facility in the Central Business District owing to the non-completion of its permanent site since 2010.

The 111 participants of NDC Course 32 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as 19 international participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

The college undertakes in-depth studies on all factors that affect national security and development. The research center in the college, known as the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, is also designated as the ECOWAS training center of excellence for peace support operations at the strategic level.